Latest news with #ArmyCadets
Graziadaily
13-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Graziadaily
Love Is Blind 2025: Meet Ashleigh Berry
Netflix dating show Love Is Blind is back for a second series. Husband and wife Emma and Matt Willis return to host the programme, which sees more hopefuls looking for their perfect love match. The catch is, they don't get to meet their potential partners face to face until they are 'engaged' and will have to base their compatibility purely on emotional connection after going on 'dates'. Ashleigh Berry is one of the contestants hoping to find her Mr Right. Here's all we know about her… Ashleigh Berry from Love Is Blind ©Netflix Ashleigh is 30 years old. Ashleigh is a cabin crew manager. Serial dater Ashleigh is fed up with men who just enjoy the kudos of going out with an air hostess but refuse to commit. She's been single for four years and now wants to meet someone who she can connect with emotionally so they can lay down the foundations to start a family. 'I'm always a cheerleader. I feel like it's my time to fall in love,' she says. 'I took a blind leap of faith… and dated without ever seeing a face. No swipes, no distractions, just real connections. You'll catch a glimpse of my journey – raw emotions, tough decisions and maybe even a little love. I came in with an open heart. Let's see where that leads.' Nicknamed 'combat Barbie' due to her former role in the Army Cadets, Ashleigh is into pole fitness, calisthenics and loves a man in uniform. But she's also looking for someone who is kind. 'I would love a man who's just got a huge heart,' she says. Shereen Low is a senior news and entertainment writer for Grazia UK, who enjoys watching everything from Love Island and Race Across The World to real-life crime shows and thrillers.
Metro
12-08-2025
- General
- Metro
Top 5 education brands helping kids learn smarter
Finding the right tools to support children's learning and education can feel overwhelming, but help is out there. The rise of online tutoring and innovative educational platforms is making it easier – and more exciting – than ever to spark a child's curiosity. Whether you're after personalised lessons for your little ones, interactive resources, or smart ways to help your kids thrive, Checklist's top five education brands are leading the way. From tech-savvy tutors to creative learning hubs, here are standout names transforming the way children discover, explore, and succeed. With over 35 years of experience, MPW has built a reputation as one of the UK's top independent sixth-form college groups, and its Easter Revision courses are no exception. Running from 31st March to 25th April 2025, these intensive programmes are designed to boost students' confidence, sharpen exam technique and deepen subject understanding. Classes are small, with an average of six students and a maximum of nine, and are taught by highly qualified tutors, many of whom are experienced A-level examiners. Whether it's brushing up on GCSEs or fine-tuning A-level knowledge, MPW's tailored, board-specific approach makes a real difference. With centres in London, Birmingham and Cambridge, there's expert support waiting just around the corner. The info: Click here to book an Easter Revision course. For teens looking to boost their confidence, skills and sense of adventure, the Army Cadets offers a powerful alternative to traditional extracurriculars. Backed by research from the University of Northampton*, the Army Cadets are proven to improve attendance, behaviour and academic performance – all while reducing exclusions. But the real magic? It's open to everyone. Whether sporty or not, musical or not, teens from any background can thrive here. From first aid to survival training, teamwork to travel, cadets get stuck into a broad mix of hands-on learning, earning qualifications like the Duke of Edinburgh Award and BTECs along the way. Best of all, it's completely free – and packed with camaraderie, resilience and life-changing experiences. The info: Click here to find out more. *Denny, S., Hazenberg, R., & Paterson-Young, C. 2024. The Impact and Value of School-Based Cadet Forces in the UK. University of Northampton. Commissioned by MoD and the Combined Cadet Force Association – April 2024. For parents seeking top-tier teaching tuition without the unaffordable price tag, MyEdSpace is opening doors previously closed to many families. This award-winning platform offers live, interactive lessons in Maths, English and Science for students from Year 5 to Year 13, all delivered by expert UK teachers. Designed to support families priced out of traditional tutoring, MyEdSpace delivers quality education for around £5 an hour, complete with structured workbooks, exam-style homework, and step-by-step video solutions. It's quickly becoming the go-to choice for ambitious students nationwide. Want to see how it works? Join a free webinar hosted by Co-founder Sean, where you'll get the inside scoop – plus an exclusive 35 per cent discount on courses for the upcoming school year. The info: Click here to secure your spot. Looking for a screen-time option you can feel good about? Moshi Play might just be your new parenting secret weapon. The award-winning app, designed for children aged 3 to 8, is packed with games and activities that sneak in plenty of learning while your little one thinks they're just having fun. Set in the beloved, BAFTA-winning Moshi universe, the app covers everything from early maths and puzzles to colouring, drawing and movement-based play. And because progress should be worth celebrating, kids earn stickers as they learn, unlocking charming, interactive sticker books they'll be proud to show off. Safe, colourful and delightfully educational, Moshi Play is a smart choice for screen time that supports development and imagination. The info: Click here to download on iOS or Android. Make the new school year feel like a fresh start with Fast Pens' exclusive Back to School Bundle – now available with a brilliant 40 per cent discount just for parents! This limited-time offer includes a printed Parker pen (perfect for everyday scribbles or serious study), a stylish branded notebook, and a sturdy custom ruler – all designed to help kids feel ready, equipped and excited. Based in the UK, Fast Pens is known for its high-quality personalised stationery, next-day dispatch, and planet-friendly options like bamboo pens and recycled notebooks. Whether you're prepping for school or picking up a few smart tools for yourself, there's no minimum order, no faff, and free UK delivery – just fast, flexible, feel-good stationery. The info: Click here to shop the deal. If you've enjoyed reading this article and are interested in more inspiration on everything from education and culture to business and family life, why not follow Checklist on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, or sign up for the newsletter? Checklist is dedicated to providing the best free online competitions too – discover amazing new services and products when you visit the website today. Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump attacks past US policy in speech to new Army officers
President Donald Trump lambasted previous US leaders and policies in a campaign-style speech Saturday to graduating Army officers, underscoring his determination to remold the apolitical military to his right-wing ideology. The address to newly minted junior officers at the famed West Point academy in New York featured the annual event's traditional shout-outs to top students, jokes, and praise for the cadets' sporting achievements. However, the 78-year-old Republican, who has used the first four months of his second term to attack critics and concentrate power in the White House, quickly turned to edgier topics. The blistering rhetoric got only muted applause from the rows of grey-uniformed cadets. Justifying his isolationist policies and mistrust of historic US alliances, Trump said that for at least two decades, US leaders have "dragged our military into missions…, wasting our time, money and souls." Troops were "led by leaders who didn't have a clue in distant lands." Trump also focused on his decision to rid the military of so-called DEI policies, which are meant to encourage participation by racial and sexual minorities in the ranks, including women. The drive to rid the armed forces of what Trump derides as "woke" initiatives has also seen the removal from military academy bookshelves of scores of books that cover the painful US history of racism. Trump told graduating cadets that his predecessors had been "abusing our soldiers with absurd ideological experiments." "They subjected the armed forces to all manner of social projects and political causes while leaving our borders undefended," he said. "All of that's ended. You know that," Trump said. "They're not even allowed to think about it anymore." "The job of the US armed forces is not to host drag shows," he said. "The military's job is to dominate any foe, to annihilate any threat to America, anywhere." - Criticism of US allies - Trump has successfully channeled disillusionment among Americans after the long wars in Afghanistan and Iraq triggered by the September 11, 2001, attacks. He vowed at West Point that the United States will not attempt to "spread democracy... at the point of a gun." But his post-9/11-era reset also includes unprecedented scorn for US allies in Europe and Asia, which he again said on Saturday had been cheating the United States. "They don't rip us off anymore," he boasted. Adding to the partisan tone of the speech, Trump wore one of his red election campaign hats throughout and talked up his November victory as a "great mandate" which "gives us the right to do what we want to do." Army officers are not allowed to engage in politics and even when Trump paused for applause, the clapping from the cadets was often sporadic. Those invited to speak briefly at Trump's podium kept their messages strictly personal -- not so much as referring to the president. However, the refashioning of the Pentagon, led by Trump's ultra-loyal defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, has caused open unease in some quarters. Graham Parsons, a professor of philosophy at West Point, resigned this month, saying that the academy had "abandoned its core principles" to comply with White House ideological demands and that he was "ashamed." New teaching guidelines on shunning discussion of racism or sexism, while insisting on promoting the idea of America as a constant force for good, "were brazen demands to indoctrinate, not educate," Parsons wrote in The New York Times. sms/dw
ABC News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- ABC News
Family of Australian man feared dead in Ukraine hopeful Caleb List is alive
The family of a Queensland man feared killed fighting in Ukraine says they are in shock and holding onto hope he is alive. Caleb List, 25, of Gladstone, was part of the Ukrainian foreign legion, a Ukrainian ground forces military unit of international volunteers. He joined the unit in 2022 and sources have told the ABC he is believed to have died last month during heavy fighting in the Kharkiv region. His uncle, Michael Connolly, said he was fulfilling his dream to be a soldier. "He'd always wanted to be a soldier." He said so far, the family have not had any confirmation about his remains and whether they had been found. "When they can't produce anything of that nature, then there's always hope," Mr Connolly said. He said previously Mr List had been in regular contact with both his parents, but communication was difficult at times. "From the communication that was received he was always happy and healthy and well." Mr Connolly said about 16 months after he first went to Ukraine in 2022, his nephew returned to Australia to visit his family. "We were not aware that he was going to re-enlist … so it was a bit of a surprise," he said. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said consular assistance was being provided to Mr List's family. The advice remains for people not to travel to Ukraine. Mr Connolly described his nephew as a "gentle soul" who would help anyone in need. He said Mr List was passionate about the army and had spent a lot of his young life involved in the army cadets. "He would have lived there if he was possibly able to, his fascination with the armed forces was from a young age," Mr Connolly said. Mr List had previously been rejected to serve in the Australian Army. "It's really hard to speak on his behalf with regards to how and why he did it [fighting in Ukraine]," Mr Connolly said. "His desire to be a soldier was very strong and he wanted to help and make a difference. "From my observation as his uncle, I just saw a young man who lit up whenever he was doing anything with the soldiering side of life." Mr Connolly said as a young child, Mr List was energetic, loved sports and was hands-on. "He was always fixing things on his father's property. He was brought up in the country," he said. Mr Connolly said Mr List spent most of his childhood and adult life in the Gladstone region. Mr List previously worked as a trade assistant at Queensland's Yarwun refinery. Mr Connolly urged the public not to make a value judgement about Mr List. "We pray that he will come back home. "It's very hard to speak about him in past tense because in my mind, he's not — he's not gone."
BBC News
12-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Somerset teenager wants a bionic arm to get into military
A 17-year-old girl is fundraising for a bionic arm so that she can try and get accepted for military servicePaige Cox from Wivielscombe in Somerset was born without a right hand and enjoys playing cricket and is a member of her local army cadet group. Ms Cox has been deferred by the military once before so is now fundraising for a bionic arm. While it will not guarantee her a military career, it will increase her chances according to her family. "It would make daily tasks easier. I often struggle with quite a few things. Having it would take a pressure off," Ms Cox said. As an army cadet, she applied to be in the military, but was rejected for having one said she "didn't feel great" about the rejection, so she decided to try and get a bionic arm."It would make holding weapons easier, would make exercises easier, setting up tents, stuff like that," Ms Cox Cox' dad John Cox, said: "I'm ex-military myself. It was disappointing that they wouldn't entertain the idea of more administrative roles, it was a straight no. I thought they could have been a bit more progressive."He added that he thought it was "amazing" that his daughter had decided to raise funds for a bionic arm.
